The official cause of Sinéad O’Connor’s death has been disclosed just over a year after she passed away.
O’Connor was discovered ‘unresponsive’ at her residence in London on July 26, 2023. Initially, reports stated that ‘no medical cause of death was given’.
O’Connor was widely recognized for her music and activism.
One of her most memorable moments occurred in 1992 when she tore up a photograph of Pope John Paul II on Saturday Night Live.
This act led to her being banned from performing on NBC, but O’Connor stood firm in her decision, later describing the act as ‘brilliant’ and showing no remorse.
Following her passing, her family released a statement: “It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved Sinéad.”
“Her family and friends are devastated and have requested privacy at this very difficult time.”
The London Inner South Coroner’s Court has now confirmed O’Connor’s official cause of death.
The statement revealed that O’Connor died from ‘exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and bronchial asthma together with low grade lower respiratory tract infection.’
O’Connor had a complicated relationship with fame and celebrity culture, including her own.
At 24, she penned a letter to the Recording Academy criticizing its focus on ‘material gain’.
She wrote: “As artists I believe our function is to express the feelings of the human race — to always speak the truth and never keep it hidden even though we are operating in a world which does not like the sound of the truth.”
Her death led to a significant outpouring of grief and tributes to her unwavering spirit.
Irish Taoiseach Leo Varadkar expressed his condolences: “Really sorry to hear of the passing of Sinéad O’Connor.”
“Her music was loved around the world and her talent was unmatched and beyond compare. Condolences to her family, her friends and all who loved her music.”
He concluded with an Irish phrase, “Ar dheis Dé go Raibh a hAnam,” meaning ‘may she rest in peace’.
In her final Twitter post, O’Connor wrote: “Been living as undead night creature since. He was the love of my life, the lamp of my soul.”
She added: “We were one soul in two halves. He was the only person who ever loved me unconditionally. I am lost in the bardo without him.”
Later in life, O’Connor converted to Islam and adopted the name Shuhada, though she continued to use her stage name as well.
O’Connor is survived by her three children.